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A Qualitative Study of Practitioners’ Views on Family Involvement in Treatment Process of Adolescent Internet Addiction

Author

Listed:
  • Camilla Kin Ming Lo

    (Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

  • Lu Yu

    (Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

  • Yuet Wing Cho

    (Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

  • Ko Ling Chan

    (Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

Abstract

Despite emerging evidence of the effectiveness of a family-focused approach as an Internet addiction (IA) treatment modality for adolescents, little research has been done to explore family involvement in the treatment process from the clinician’s perspective. This study employed a qualitative design to examine practitioners’ views pertaining to the roles and challenges of family participation in IA intervention. In total, 10 practitioners working with adolescents with IA were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the transcribed interviews. Three overreaching themes were synthesized: That family involvement in IA intervention is challenging yet important; shifting the focus from the adolescent to the relationship; and provision of individualized services and intervention to address the heterogeneous nature of cases. The findings show that family participation in IA treatment is successful in enhancing positive outcomes. The needs of adolescents with IA and family members are addressed through individual counseling and psychoeducation, respectively. Conjoint therapy sessions foster effective communication, improve family interactions and functioning, and restore relationships. However, caution regarding family dynamics is required when considering whether family involvement is appropriate. Practitioners need to establish therapeutic alliances and be flexible when working with family members in terms of the degree and arrangement of participation.

Suggested Citation

  • Camilla Kin Ming Lo & Lu Yu & Yuet Wing Cho & Ko Ling Chan, 2020. "A Qualitative Study of Practitioners’ Views on Family Involvement in Treatment Process of Adolescent Internet Addiction," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-12, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2020:i:1:p:86-:d:467880
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Joel Hülquist & Nicole Fangerau & Rainer Thomasius & Kerstin Paschke, 2022. "Resource-Strengthening Training for Parents of Adolescents with Problematic Gaming (Res@t-P): A Clinical Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-16, August.
    2. Lisa Marie Wendt & Maria Isabella Austermann & Hans-Jürgen Rumpf & Rainer Thomasius & Kerstin Paschke, 2021. "Requirements of a Group Intervention for Adolescents with Internet Gaming Disorder in a Clinical Setting: A Qualitative Interview Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-28, July.

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